Transformable and/or metamorphosable garment

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a fully modular and evolutive transformable garment obtained by a combination amongst multiple combinations of a plurality of instantaneously removable modules (1-17) which is metamorphosable. According to the invention, the modules (1-17) are interchangeable, substantially complementary by degrees, composite, irregular and optionally heterogeneous. Each module is made lying flat, generally shaped and costumized, and comprises at least on each of the edges to be assembled a means for rapidly fixing the edges to each other. The modules are comprised of a plurality of basic modules (7, 9, 11, 12) and of a plurality of complementary modules (1, 2, . . . ). Each module may be cut in any way as to the material used so that it can be adapted to other modules. Preferably, each module is polyvalent.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention concerns a transformable and evolving garment obtainedfrom one combination among many possible combinations of a variety ofdetachable and interchangeable modules, the lower part of which isinstantaneously metamorphosable. It also concerns a module for such agarment.

Such garments have numerous applications, because they are suitable inparticular for children, for adults, for dolls, and even for domesticanimals.

One is familiar with garments made up from several general parts whichcan be removed or added in order to achieve a transformation of thegarment, as described in document FR-A-1 470 315 and FR-A-1 520 507.According to document FR-A-2 307 482, trousers can be transformed intoshorts, and vice versa. Document FRA-A-2 567 726 describes a universalgarment which can constitute trousers, a jacket or a skirt, according tothe wishes of the user. Document FR-A-2 433 913 relates to a conceptaccording to which the various parts of the document, such as sleeves,legs, etc., are detachable.

Document FR-A-2 593 356 proposes a similar garment, presenting a systemto camouflage the connections between the detachable parts.

Document FR-A-2 079 865 concerns a garment which is obtained by theassociation of parts which can be assembled from simple geometricalshapes. This also applies to document WO-A-89/10706, which concerns agarment which can be created using a basic pattern in the form of adiamond ("whose long diagonal is parallel to the main axis of thebody"), and completed by means of triangles.

Document WO-A-93/25101 describes a "metamorphosis" system which can beused to alter the external appearance of a given garment. In practicethis does not in fact consist of a metamorphosis system, but rather to asimple, rapid alteration in the appearance of the given garment, whichavoids the need to remove the whole garment during the change. To thisend, the garment has several movable parts (collar, sleeves, etc.) whichcan be attached simply to a main part. This type of garment is veryuseful in the entertainment business.

Document FR-A-2 074 752 concerns one basic element "created for thehuman body", of a tunic type, forming the support for a variety of"variants" which are detachable from the support in order to change theappearance of the final garment. The variants cannot be attached to eachother however. Furthermore, although the "variants" are complementary,they do not form part of the basic element.

In other words, all of these documents describe diverse solutionsinvolving the detachability of certain parts, in volume, of a garment(hood, legs, sleeves, etc.), or involving the joining together of simplegeometrically shaped parts in order to form one complete piece of abricwhich can be used to create a garment or the covering for an item offurniture. These proposed solutions never allow a garment to betransformed radically, and/or a garment to be metamorphosed totally,using simple modules made up flat.

It should be pointed out here that the words "metamorphose" or"metamorphosis" are used semantically when there is such a significantchange of shape that the initial object is no longer recognisable (e.g.a skirt into trousers, or vice versa).

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The purpose of this invention is to allow clothing shapes to be evolvedusing detachable or removable modules in a way which allows the user thefreedom to fabric which can be used to create a garment or the coveringfor an item of furniture. These proposed solutions never propose totransform a garment radically, and/or to metamorphose a garment totally,using simple modules made up flat.

Document DE-U-9320062 describes an object, such as a garment, consistingof a basic module and at least one possible addition, together with anelement which can be assembled to the basic model in order to alter thedimensions of this object. Thus this known solution does not allow thegarment concerned to be radically transformed or metamorphosed.

It should be pointed out here that the words "metamorphose" or"metamorphosis" are used semantically when there is such a significantchange of shape that the initial object is no longer recognisable (askirt into trousers, or vice versa).

The purpose of this invention is to allow clothing shapes to be evolvedusing detachable or removable modules in a way which allows the user thefreedom to create, i.e., each to make up, instantaneously, severaldiverse, original, and novel garments, from a given set of modules whichwere initially created flat in the main.

This invention therefore concerns an entirely transformable and evolvingmodular garment obtained from one combination among many possiblecombinations of a variety of instantaneously detachable modules, thelower part of which in particular (trousers, skirt, or equivalent) ismetamorphosable.

According to the invention, the entirely modular, evolving,transformable multiple garment can be created from detachable moduleswhich can be assembled together from a variety of possible combinations,characterised in that the modules of a given set are interchangeable,more or less complementary by degrees, composite, irregular, andheterogeneous where appropriate. Each model is created flat, generallymodelled and/or individualised, and includes, on at least one of itsattachable edges, a means for rapid attachment between the parts; thateach module is cut in any manner whatever in relation to the material ofthe garment, in a manner enabling it to be matched to the other modules,so that by assembling together at least the modules from the set ofmodules specifying a particular garment, different structures of thegarment will be obtained, transforming this garment into another garmentof the same nature or of a different nature, such as an apron into adress, or a bare-back blouse into a conventional blouse, or radicallymetamorphosing this garment into another garment of a totally differentnature, such as a dress into a slip or a skirt into trousers.

It is preferable that each module should be polyvalent.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

It is also preferable that the means of attachment should include atleast one method selected from among press-studs, zip fasteners, slidefasteners, adhesive fasteners, buttons, rings, links, tabs and loops,reinforced eyes or buttonholes, clips, hooks, and combinations of these.When the chosen method of attachment includes a set of male elements anda set of female elements, these elements are distributes in such amanner that they will be complementary, whatever their configuration.

It is preferable also that the means of attaching the modules to eachother should include at least one tab fixed to one of the modules andpassing through at least one corresponding opening or eye created in theother module. This will be arranged in such a manner as to allow atleast three modules to be attached at the same point. In this lattercase, the method used to attach the intermediate modules shouldpreferably be of the female reinforced eye type.

The tab should preferably be attached at least 1 cm back from the edgeof the module concerned.

FIG. 1A is a schematic representation of a set of modules as describedin the invention.

FIGS. 1B and 1C represent, respectively, the front and the back of agarment created using the modules of FIG. 1A.

FIGS. 2A to 2E are schematic illustrations of the metamorphosis ortransformation of a modular garment, and in particular to allow agarment to be flared at the top or the bottom.

FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of the metamorphosis of trousers(FIG. 3C into a skirt (FIGS. 3F and 3G) using additional modules placesat the front and the rear (FIGS. 3D and 3E).

FIGS. 4A, 4B, 5A and 5B illustrate the metamorphosis of a skirt (FIGS.4A and 4B) into trousers (FIG. 5A), using one additional module (FIG.5B).

FIG. 6 is a schematic illustration of a basic lateral module, while FIG.7 illustrates a method for joining two basic modules such as that inFIG. 6.

FIG. 8 illustrates the positioning of the same module as shown in FIG.5B in order to metamorphose the skirt of FIG. 7 into wide or sarhoueltrousers as shown.

FIG. 9 illustrates the joining of one part to another using tabs.

FIG. 10 illustrates the central join of the modules of FIG. 2B.

FIG. 11 schematically represents an improved press-stud used forattaching one or more modules using the method illustrated in FIG. 12.

FIG. 13 shows the advantageous use of slots and tabs as a means ofattaching modules together, usually at the waist.

FIG. 14 shows the use of slots and tabs for the joining of threemodules.

FIG. 15 illustrates a set of modules intended to create a dress whichwidens and flares toward the bottom.

FIG. 16 illustrates the transformation of a tunic into a dress.

FIGS. 17 and 18 show the preferred methods for attachment of the variousmodules.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

By reference to the figures, as they would be understood by a dressmakeror tailor, it is possible to create a transformable and/ormetamorphosable garment by means of a combination of elements, parts ormodules created flat, which are detachable, reversible, polyvalentand/or complementary. These modules can be tailored, cut, of simple orcomplex shape, diversified or united, or even embossed or includingheterogeneous materials (textiles, wood, metal, plastic, etc.). They aredesigned to be interchanged in all directions, and to be capable ofbeing divided into as many parts as may be necessary or desired. Theycan also be placed at different points and/or in different positions onthe final garment.

These modules can therefore be added or taken away, can add volume tothe garment or remove it, can be superimposed or inserted in order toenlarge or widen, and can be purely functional or merely used todecorate the final garment.

As an example, FIG. 1A shows a set of seventeen modules, numbered 1 to17, as specified in the invention, and FIGS. 1B and 1C show the frontand the back of a garment which has been made up from the modules ofFIG. 1A. Modules 7, 9, 11 and 12 can be described at the "basicmodules", because they determine the shapes which occupy the main role.The other modules are known as "additional modules", because they areused as complements to the basic modules, for either functional oraesthetic ends.

It is possible, for the lower element for example, to make up a skirt ortrousers quite simply, using not only two of the basic modules, but alsousing one basic module and attaching one of the additional modules toit.

Also certain modules have to be complementary by degrees, since they areintended for the mutation of a garment. Other modules are designedexclusively for a specific part of the garment, though it is preferablethat they should be polyvalent nevertheless. This applies particularlyto the modules acting as basic modules, which determine the shapes whichoccupy the main role in the garment.

On one of its edges at least, each module has some means for its rapidattachment to other modules. This means of attachment includes at leastone method selected from among press-studs, zip fasteners, slidefasteners, adhesive fasteners, buttons, rings, links, tabs and loops,eyes or buttonholes (reinforced or scalloped), clips, hooks, andcombinations of these. In other words, there is no need for any specialtool in order to assemble or separate the various modules.

When the chosen method of attachment includes a set of male elements anda set of female elements, these elements are distributed in such amanner that they will always be complementary, whatever theirconfiguration. The means of attachment are therefore all positioned atmore or less equal distances from each other in such a manner as toprovide for total interchangeability of the modules to be assembled. Wewill return later to certain preferred methods of realising the means ofattachment.

With reference now to FIGS. 2A to 2E, we see the metamorphosis of askirt and of trousers, using additional modules such as those shown inFIG. 2A under reference 20. Additional module 20, approximately theshape of an isosceles triangle, in which the angle opposite to the basehas tab with opening, reference 21, reinforced for example in order toassist its attachment, to another tab for example (not shown here, butwhich will be described in relation to other figures). Two basicmodules, 22 and 24, are each made up from a textile support cut more orless flat, to go from the centre of the back to the centre of the front.Tabs 23 and 25 are provided to make the join with the upper part at beltlevel. When the two lateral edges corresponding to the basic modules, 22and 24, are joined together, by means of a set of press-studs forexample, we directly obtain a relatively straight skirt, like that shownin FIG. 2C. When an additional module, such as part 20 in FIG. 2A, isattached on either side between two basic modules, 22 and 24, a widerskirt results, as illustrated in FIG. 2B. The modules are joined to eachother using press-studs. Module 20 is equally suitable for fitting to askirt (FIG. 2B) and to the sides of trousers (FIG. 2E).

FIG. 3 illustrates the metamorphosis of trousers into a skirt. Two basicmodules, 30 and 32, with claws on the belt, 36, form the lateral partsof the garment. The belt and the front and back edges of the modules areassembled rapidly as described below. This results in the trousers shownin FIG. 3C. It is obvious that the belt rises more at the back than thefront. Asymmetry is provided in the modules in order to allow for thatof the human body. At the comers, tab 37 and eyes 38 and 231 are used toform the join, as are press-studs 34 and 35, provided to form the insideleg of the trousers, as shown in FIG. 3C. By joining on additionalmodules, shown in FIGS. 3D and 3E, in which tabs and eyes are providedfor joining up with those of modules 30 and 32, a skirt is obtained (thefront and back of which are shown in FIGS. 3F and 3G), and otherdecorative modules can then be attached to this as required.

In FIG. 4, illustrations 4A and 4B show two lateral basic modules withgathers and tucks in the belt area. The belt is assembled as describedbelow, as are the edges. The result is a skirt. This skirt will bemetamorphosed into trousers using the additional module shown (thethree-quarters view in FIG. 5B), which is manufactured using centralstitching. This additional module is for fitting to the crotch area, forattachment to the belt using the tabs illustrated. Note the notchesshown in FIG. 5B, which are provided to increase ease of movement. Thedrawstrings shown are finally inserted and knotted to result in baggy orsarhouel trousers. Obviously the various modules are interchangeable.

More simple variants are illustrated in FIGS. 6 to 8. The professionaldressmaker will understand this process without difficulty. Two basicmodules, 60 and 70, form a skirt. Insertion of additional module 40,corresponding fairly closely to that shown in FIG. 5B, metamorphoses theskirt into trousers, as shown in FIG. 8. This same additional module canalso be adapted to other modules and to other configurations.

It is easy to see that numerous different creative models can thus beobtained easily and instantaneously, without the aid of special tools.

It is now desirable that we return to the methods employed for attachingthe modules to each other. FIG. 9 illustrates a method used to joinbottom and top modules (though not exclusively so, since additionalmodules can also be attached this way, as can be seen in other figures).Module 90 is fitted with tabs 91, the end of which contains one half ofa press-stud, the other half of which is placed on module 90, so that itcan be joined, after folding over tab 91, with its twin on the tab. Theother module, 96, has a corresponding number of eyes designed so thattabs 91 are passed through them and then folded over.

FIG. 10 shows the central join of the modules shown in FIGS. 2B and 2E.Additional module 20 is fitted with attachment tab 21. Tab 23 of basicmodule 22 passes through the tab 21 eye of additional module 20, andthen eye 103 in the other basic module, 24. After folding over, the partof the press-stud on tab 23 is pressed onto the corresponding partmounted on basic module 22, not shown in FIG. 10. In parallel fashion,basic module 22 has a horizontal tab, 101, fitted with an eye,reinforced for example, and intended to pass through vertical eye 102 inthe other basic module, 24. The eye in horizontal tab 101 is traversedby tab 25 to form an attachment on the inside of module 24. This resultsin a reliable join, which is easy to manoeuvre.

All of the tabs are preferably stitched at least 1 cm from the insideedge, in order to favour the join, and to make it more or lessinvisible.

FIGS. 11 and 12 provide a schematic illustration of another method ofimplementation. The female part, 35, of the press-stud, is attached tosubstrate 110, which is virtually flat and oblong as shown. The ends ofthis are not attached to the module to be attached, 120, because it canbe fixed only by four relatively-centred double holes, 112. Thus anintermediate module (FIG. 12) can have an eye, reinforced and oblong forexample, into which substrate 110 is introduced perpendicularly. Thuswhen the male part, 34, of the press-stud is inserted, the three modulesare fixed directly together. Although it was decided to illustrate thefemale part of the stud mounted on a substrate, it is equally possibleto mount the male part, 34, on such a substrate.

Other preferred modes of implementation are now described as anillustration of the invention. In FIGS. 13A and 13B, all of the modulesare fitted, particularly at the waist, with eyes 92, used for attachmentto the top modules and/or other additional modules, and which are sewnon the front inside of the belt, at several centimetres from the edge,and attached on the outside by means of half press-stud 209 which mateswith its twin press-stud 210. At its end, module 210 has a horizontaltab at its extremity fitted with a half press-stud, 205. The end ofmodule 202 has an eye, 303. Tab 203 passes through eye 303, and the halfpress-stud at its end, 205, mates with half press-stud 305 provided onthe inside of module 202, after passing through tab 91, which then formsan eye. Half press-stud 306 is then able to mate with half press-stud206 on the inside, to hold everything together. The result obtained isillustrated in FIG. 13B. One can see that the attachment has becomeinvisible here.

In FIG. 14, a similar arrangement is show, but involving three modules,220, 222, and 224. Eyes 310 and 312 in modules 222 and 224 respectively,are used to receive tab 203 and allow press-studs 205 and 305 to mateinside module 224, to create an invisible attachment here also.

In FIG. 15, the professional dressmaker will recognise a set of modulescapable of creating a dress which is widened and flared at the bottom.Note here that all modules overlap at their edges. Other methods ofassembly can be used, and particularly if the joins remain invisible.

FIG. 16 shows the transformation of a shoulder-strap tunic into asleeved dress through various associations, in accordance with themethods of this invention, using tabs as described here. Theprofessional dressmaker will require no further instructions.

FIGS. 17A and 18A provide details of the attachment and assembly methodsdesigned to make them more or less invisible, as can be seen in FIGS.17B and 18B respectively. The modules can be superimposed on the insideor the outside.

It is obviously better that all tabs are sewn at least one centimeterfrom the edge in a manner which allows the modules to be assembled,superimposed, etc.

In the figures, the white half press-studs are invisible, and the blackhalf press-studs are visible.

Although one has presented here what is considered to be the preferredmethods from implementing this invention, it is obvious that theprofessional dressmaker will be able to make many changes andmodifications while still remaining within the framework of theinvention, as specified in the attached list of claims. In particular,although the preferred method of attachment may be tabs, it is by nomeans limited to this.

It will have been understood that the additional modules have either apurely decorative role or a functional role in the metamorphosis and/ortransformation of the garment, or can have a role in the joining thebasic modules, or indeed can have several of these roles simultaneously.It is obvious that the additional interchangeable modules are liable topresent a variety of different surfaces.

The basic modules also obviously have the same role as the additionalmodules, namely to transform or metamorphose the modular garment of theinvention.

In addition to the creative and aesthetic aspect for the user, theinvention can also be said to have an educational aspect relating to thecreation of clothing from a jig-saw of removable, interchangeable, andmore-or-less interchangeable modules.

It can be understood easily that the more one adds new modules into thecombination, the greater the number of ways in which the models can bevaried. As an example, according to tests carried out with theprototypes using 26 modules, it is possible to create 140 differentmodels. By adding one module, a further 5 models can be obtains, andanother module makes possible a further 6 models, and so on.

I claim:
 1. A transformable clothing arrangement comprising:a set ofmodules, the set including a plurality of modules, each module of theplurality of modules being different in shape from and interchangeablewith another of the plurality of modules, each module including at leastone edge; means for attaching the modules to each other coupled to theat least one edge, wherein the plurality of modules of the set areattached to each other to form a first complete garment, and when atleast a first module at a first position in the first garment isinterchanged with a second module at a second position in the firstgarment, a second complete garment is formed differing in shape from thefirst complete garment.
 2. The transformable clothing arrangement inaccordance with claim 1, wherein the set of modules is extensible toevolve by the addition of at least one module to the set to form aplurality of new individual garment structures.
 3. The transformableclothing arrangement in accordance with claim 1 wherein each of saidmodules is polyvalent.
 4. The transformable clothing arrangement inaccordance with claim 1 wherein said means for attaching includes atleast one device chosen from the group consisting of: press-studs, zipfasteners, slide fasteners, adhesive fasteners, buttons, rings, links,tabs and eyes, buttonholes, clips, and hooks.
 5. The transformableclothing arrangement in accordance with claim 1 wherein said means forattaching the modules to each other includes at least a tab fixed to afirst of said modules, and at least one eye coupled to a second of saidmodules, said tab passing through the at least one eye in said secondmodule.
 6. The transformable clothing arrangement in accordance withclaim 5, wherein said tab is attached at least 1 cm from an edge of saidfirst module.
 7. The transformable clothing arrangement in accordancewith claim 1 wherein said means for attaching is configured in a mannerwhich allows the attachment of at least three modules at the same point.8. The transformable clothing arrangement in accordance with claim 1wherein said means for attaching comprises a female device, including areinforced eye.
 9. The transformable clothing arrangement in accordancewith claim 1 wherein said means for attaching includes a set of maleelements and female elements, the distribution of said male and femaleelements being arranged in such a manner that they are complementary,irrespective of the configurations.
 10. The transformable clothingarrangement in accordance with claim 1 wherein the means for attachingcomprises a press-stud having first and second elements which fittogether, the first element being attached to a substrate, which issubstantially flat, the substrate including a central part which hasfour double eyes allowing the substrate to be attached to the module,the substrate having ends of which are spaced from the module, thesubstrate being designed to pass through an eye in at least one othermodule.
 11. The transformable clothing arrangement in accordance withclaim 1 wherein the means for attaching comprises a set of tabs fixed toa first module and passing through at least one eye in a second moduleand returning and attaching to the first module.
 12. The transformableclothing arrangement in accordance with claim 1 wherein one of theplurality of modules comprises a crotch-piece.
 13. The transformableclothing arrangement as claimed in claim 1 wherein the first garmentdiffers in type from the second garment.
 14. The transformable clothingarrangement as claimed in claim 13 wherein the first garment comprises apair of trousers and the second garment comprises a skirt.
 15. Atransformable clothing arrangement comprising:a set of modules, the setincluding a plurality of modules attaching to each other to form a firstgarment, the plurality of modules including:at least one basic modulehaving a fixed position in the first garment; a plurality of additionalmodules, each module of the plurality of additional modules beingdifferent in shape from and interchangeable with another of theplurality of additional modules, wherein when at least a firstadditional module at a first position in the first garment isinterchanged with a second additional module at a second position in thefirst garment, a second garment is formed differing in shape from thefirst garment.